How to Get to Rio de Janeiro

Short answer: fly into Galeão (GIG) and take Uber, a taxi or the executive bus to the South Zone. Once there, use the metro by day and Uber at night.

Galeão International Airport (GIG)

Rio's main airport, officially Tom Jobim, is on Ilha do Governador, about 20 kilometres north of the centre. The drive to Copacabana or Ipanema takes 40 to 45 minutes in light traffic, and considerably longer at rush hour.

• Uber. The most popular choice, with a marked pick-up area at arrivals. It usually costs less than a taxi.
• Taxi. Book at the official counters inside the terminal, which charge a fixed fare by zone. Ignore drivers who approach you in the hall.
• Executive bus. An air-conditioned coach links the terminals with Centro, Botafogo and the beachfront of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. It's cheap and suits light travellers, but it's slower than a car, and airport bus services here have changed several times, so check the current route and timetable before you fly.
• BRT. The Transcarioca rapid bus links the airport with the metro, but the changes with luggage make it a poor choice for visitors.

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Right on the bay in Centro, with a dramatic approach past Sugarloaf. It mostly handles domestic flights, including the frequent shuttle to São Paulo. The VLT light rail stops outside the terminal and links to the metro, and Uber to the beaches takes 20 to 30 minutes.

By bus

Long-distance buses arrive at the Novo Rio bus station near the port. Comfortable overnight and daytime coaches run to São Paulo in about six hours, and to Paraty and Petrópolis, which our day trips guide compares. Take an Uber from the station rather than walking around the area.

Getting around the city

Metro Line 1 runs from Centro through Botafogo and Copacabana to Ipanema, and Line 4 continues to Leblon and Barra da Tijuca. A hotel within walking distance of a station makes everything easier, and our where to stay guide picks the best-connected areas. Tap a contactless card at the gates. The VLT covers Centro and the port. City buses are cheap but confusing, and Uber fills the gaps, especially after dark. The Santa Teresa bonde runs from Centro across the Arcos da Lapa, and visitors ride it for the experience more than the speed.